Washington, DC – Roger Hickey, co-director of the Campaign for America’s Future, said, “The President’s decision to include cuts to Social Security benefits in his budget is wrong policy and dumb politics.”

Statement from Roger Hickey, co-director of the Campaign for America’s Future:

“The President’s decision to include cuts to Social Security benefits in his budget is wrong policy and dumb politics. His Chained CPI plan is wrong because it hurts Americans who have worked hard their entire lives and who need the support that Social Security gives them. It is wrong because Social Security is financed separately and does not contribute to the deficit. And it is dumb politically because:

Republicans will now call Chained CPI Obama’s proposal – or the Democratic proposal.

They will try to pass these cuts – because cutting Social Security has always been their goal.

Whether the Chained CPI passes or not, Republicans will attack Democrats in the next election for trying to cut Social Security.

“And in the 2014 Congressional elections seniors will vote in larger numbers than the rest of the population – and they will punish Democrats.

“The best way to cut the deficit is to get Americans back to work so we can pay taxes and decrease deficits as a percentage of a growing GDP.

“Today’s jobs numbers are proof that misguided austerity is harming the recovery. America should be investing, not cutting.

“Social Security has nothing to do with the deficit and should not even be part of this conversation.”

The Campaign for America's Future (CAF) is a center for ideas and action that works to build an enduring majority for progressive change. The Campaign advances a progressive economic agenda and a vision of the future that works for the many, not simply the few. The Campaign is leading the fight for America's priorities - for good jobs and a sustainable economy, and for strengthening the safety net.